_Mrs. Linde_. I believe he was quite well off. But his business was a precarious one; and, when he died, it all went to pieces and there was nothing left. _Nora_. And then?-- _Mrs. Linde_. Well, I had to turn my hand to anything I could find--first a small shop, then a small school, and so on. The last three years have seemed like one long working-day, with no rest. Now it is at an end, Nora. My poor mother needs me no more, for she is gone; and the boys do not need me either; they have got situations and can shift for themselves. _Nora_. What a relief you must feel it-- _Mrs. Linde_. No, indeed; I only feel my life unspeakably empty. No one to live for any more. (_Gets up restlessly_.) That is why I could not stand the life in my little backwater any longer. I hope it may be easier here to find something which will busy me and occupy my thoughts. If only I could have the good luck to get some regular work--office work of some kind-- _Nora_. But, Christine, that is so frightfully tiring, and you look tired out now. You had far better go away to some watering-place. _Mrs. Linde_ (_walking to the window_). I have no father to give me money for a journey, Nora. _Nora_ (_rising_). Oh, don't be angry with me. _Mrs. Linde_ (_going up to her_). It is you that must not be angry with me, dear. The worst of a position like mine is that it makes one so bitter. No one to work for, and yet obliged to be always on the look-out for chances. One must live, and so one becomes selfish. When you told me of the happy turn your fortunes have taken--you will hardly believe it--I was delighted not so much on your account as on my own. _Nora_. How do you mean?--Oh, I understand. You mean that perhaps Torvald could get you something to do. _Mrs. Linde_. Yes, that was what I was thinking of. _Nora_. He must, Christine. Just leave it to me; I will broach the subject very cleverly--I will think of something that will please him very much. It will make me so happy to be of some use to you. _Mrs. Linde_. How kind you are, Nora, to be so anxious to help me! It is doubly kind in you, for you know so little of the burdens and troubles of life. _Nora_. I--? I know so little of them? _Mrs Linde_ (_smiling_). My dear! Small household cares and that sort of thing!--You are a child, Nora. _Nora_ (_tosses her head and crosses the stage_). You ought not to be so superior. _Mrs. Linde_. No? _Nora_. You are just like all the others. They all think that I am incapable of anything really serious-- _Mrs. Linde_. Come, come-- _Nora_.--that I have gone through nothing in this world of cares. _Mrs. Linde_. But, my dear Nora, you have just told me all your troubles. _Nora_. Pooh!--those were trifles. (_Lowering her voice_.) I have not told you the important thing. _Mrs. Linde_. The important thing? What do you mean?